 The program will offer Capstone degrees to students who have
previously received an associate degree in applied science. Examples
of degrees in an applied science field are careers in automotive
studies, computer science and information technology, graphic
design, culinary arts, cosmetology, and technical degree options,
among others.The Capstone degrees will be offered in the same
format as other ABE degree programs, which allow students to
complete their bachelor's degree at an accelerated pace. In the ABE
program, students typically take one course at a time, meeting one
evening per week for a five-week period. By using this format, the
ABE program -- which is designed for the working adult -- allows
students to complete up to 27 credits per calendar year toward their
bachelor's degree requirements.
"We are very excited about this new program," said Lincoln
College President Jon Astroth. "With Lincoln College's Capstone
degree program, individuals with an applied science degree can
complete a bachelor's degree on their local community college
campus.
"The Capstone degree program recognizes the academic credits
these students have earned in an applied science field and assists
them in pursuing the benefits that a bachelor's degree offers in
today's workplace."
A key component of the Capstone program is the establishment of
articulation agreements with multiple central Illinois community
colleges. Collectively, these community colleges award thousands of
applied science degrees on an annual basis.
An articulation agreement has already been established between
Lincoln College and Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby.
Negotiations with other central Illinois community colleges are
ongoing and progressing well, according to college officials.
"The Capstone program offers great potential for Lincoln College
to further its mission to help students achieve their full
potential," said Jeff Kratz, dean of academic affairs on the Normal
campus. "More importantly, with the economy's need for bachelor
degree recipients, we think it meets an important need throughout
the state of Illinois. Right now, we are only focused on central
Illinois, but, it's possible that Lincoln College could become the
premier college in the state in terms of getting a bachelor's degree
after receiving an applied science degree."
The Capstone degree program will initially have two bachelor's
degrees for students to choose from: a bachelor's degree in applied
management in entrepreneurship and a bachelor's degree in applied
science in organizational leadership. Other degree options are being
investigated.
The two bachelor's degrees offered through the Capstone program
differ in what they offer to students.
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According to Kratz, the bachelor's of applied management in
entrepreneurship is intended for individuals who may want to start
their own business.
"The bachelor's of applied management in entrepreneurship is
designed so that their focus of study is what they completed during
their completion of their associate's degree in applied science,"
said Kratz. "In their third and fourth years of study through the
Capstone program, students will complete their remaining general
education requirements, along with some specialized courses in the
business field. The applied management in entrepreneurship degree is
designed to give them the skills they need to start their own
business and maintain and grow that business."
Kratz says the bachelor's degree of applied science in
organizational leadership is intended for those individuals who may
be seeking to grow in their position with a current employer.
"By earning a bachelor's degree in the field of organizational
leadership, and enhancing their business knowledge and leadership
skills, students can increase their potential of moving into
management and leadership roles," said Kratz. "The Capstone program
gives them an easier path to a bachelor's degree, with their first
two years being specialized courses which they will receive credit
for."
Joni Allison, associate dean, said the Capstone program will
allow Lincoln College to enhance its efforts to support the ideals
of organizations such as the
Lumina Foundation, an
Indianapolis-based foundation that is devoted to expanding
accessibility to higher education. The Lumina Foundation has
embarked on an initiative known as "Goal 2025" which aspires to
increase the number of Americans with "high-quality degrees and
credentials" from 39 percent to 60 percent by the year 2025,
according to the organization's website.
"Lincoln College and the ABE program embrace the challenge that's
been articulated by the Lumina Foundation and many of our nation's
leaders, who have spoken at length about America's need for a
workforce that is highly skilled and highly educated," said Allison.
"We feel that the Capstone program, because it will allow us to work
with applied science degree recipients, will only help us in these
efforts. We are very excited and hopeful to be part of the solution
in central Illinois to a nationwide problem."
For more information on the Capstone program at Lincoln College,
contact the ABE admissions office at 309-452-0500 or email the
program at
abeinfo@lincolncollege.edu.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln College] |
